According to ESPN, contract renewal negotiations between Real Madrid and Brazilian forward Vinícius Junior have come to a standstill. Despite initial optimism earlier this year, both sides remain far apart on financial terms, leaving the player’s long-term future at the Bernabéu uncertain.
Salary Gap Creates Deadlock
Vinícius, 25, is currently under contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, earning a net salary of around €17 million per year, including bonuses. Talks held in May suggested a deal was close, with many expecting an extension to 2030. But the details of Madrid’s latest offer have failed to convince the player’s representatives.
The forward’s camp had requested a pay rise to €20 million in fixed annual salary, plus performance-related clauses that could lift his total earnings to €30 million. Madrid’s proposal, however, stopped at €20 million guaranteed, without the additional €10 million in bonuses Vinícius’ team was pushing for. Sources told ESPN that his agents, Fred Pena and Tacilio Soares, viewed the offer as lacking real improvement and decided to put talks on hold.
Waiting to See Alonso’s Plans
Rather than rushing into a decision, Vinícius’ entourage is prepared to wait and see how the 2025/26 season unfolds. A key factor will be new head coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical plans and how central the Brazilian remains in Madrid’s attack, especially with stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham also demanding top billing.
Real Madrid had originally begun renewal discussions as early as February, partly in response to interest from the Saudi Pro League, which had been keen to lure Vinícius with a blockbuster offer. But according to insiders, his camp has had no contact with Saudi clubs since last December and has effectively ruled out a move to the Gulf.
Concerns Over Media Noise and Recent Form
Away from the negotiating table, Vinícius’ representatives are also wary of the constant speculation in Spanish media, fearing it could damage the player’s public image. In 2024, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting and was crowned FIFA Men’s Best Player—a sign of his global stature.
However, his performances dipped last season. Across 30 La Liga appearances, he scored just 11 goals, and Madrid finished the campaign without a major trophy. The contrast between his accolades and recent on-pitch struggles has only added complexity to the discussions.
For Real Madrid, the situation poses a delicate balancing act: rewarding a superstar whose brand value and past performances have elevated the club, while maintaining financial discipline in a squad already stacked with high earners.
Vinícius, meanwhile, remains a central figure for the future, but unless both sides find common ground soon, next summer could bring renewed speculation about his future. With two years left on his contract, Madrid cannot afford to let the uncertainty drag on.
As the new season approaches, the question is no longer just about salary numbers; it’s about whether Vinícius and Real Madrid still see each other as long-term partners in their pursuit of glory.
